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Pauley Jones Funeral Homes "Avoca Chapel"
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LaVonne J. LaBelle - Age
86
John "Jack" H.
Lakers - Age 73 John "Jack" Lakers was born on February 7, 1935, to Ed and Hilda (Martens) Lakers on a farm near Manilla, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Audubon, Iowa. He attended high school in Manilla and graduated with the Class of 1953. Jack was married to Jan Hodne on April 6, 1956 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manning, Iowa. Two sons were born to this union: Tim and Mark. Jack and Jan celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary in 2006 with their family. Jack worked many years in the agriculture feed business. Most recently he had worked with the Dedham Co-op. Jack has been a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa, since 1968. He died on Wednesday, January 14, 2009, having attained the age of seventy-three years, eleven months, and seven days. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Hilda Lakers, and his brother Edward. Jack is survived by his wife Jan Lakers of Irwin, Iowa, his sons: Tim Lakers and his wife Tami of Urbandale, Iowa and Mark Lakers and his wife Jackie of Omaha, Nebraska; five grandchildren: Ryan, Andy, David, Michael, and Nathan Lakers; three great-grandchildren; four sisters: Katie and her husband Jack Milligan of Las Vegas, Nevada, Marilyn Jacobsen of Manilla, Iowa, Linda Stoen of Fargo, North Dakota, and Janice Lakers of Kalamazoo, Michigan; nieces and nephews, other family members, and many friends. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, January 19, 2009 with Rev. Bob Hoefler celebrating the 10:30 service at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa. Honorary casket bearers were Jack Milligan, Nate Hodne, Ryan Lakers, Andy Lakers, David Lakers, Michael Lakers, Nathan Lakers, Dave Jacobsen, and Dan Jacobsen. Serving as casket bearers were Steve Gawley, Sylvan Klein, Ron Hodne, Bret Hodne, Scott Hodne, and Eugene Monson. Interment was held at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Irwin, Iowa
Mark Albert Langenfeld, son of Herman H. and Magdalen (Heese) Langenfeld, was born on April 10, 1924, in Earling, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling and graduated from St. Joseph’s Catholic Schools. After graduation, Mark continued his education at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. On January 26, 1943, Mark was drafted into the United States Army at Camp Dodge, Iowa. During World War II, Mark was stationed in Germany as an Administrative Specialist. He was honorably discharged on February 6, 1946, in New York, New York, having attained the rank of Private First Class. He was also awarded the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, the American Theater of Operations Ribbon, and the Victory Medal. On October 8, 1949, Mark was united in marriage to Helen Marie Stinn at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling. Four children were born to this union: Kim, Dean, Jill and Todd. After their wedding, Mark and Helen made their home in Earling where Mark was working at Farmers Trust and Savings Bank. He continued to work there until his retirement in 1989 but continued as Chairman of the Board until his death. Mark enjoyed watching sporting events on television, especially baseball and his favorite team, the New York Yankees. He also enjoyed playing pitch and pinochle. After retiring from the bank, Mark and Helen spent the winters in Arizona. Mark was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling, where he served on the Parish Council for several years. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Earling Council No. 1741 of Earling, Iowa, and the Fourth Degree Member of Luke E. Hart Assembly, Knights of Columbus and its Chalice Club of Defiance, Iowa. He was also a member of the Earling American Legion, Post No. 615 of Earling, Iowa and numerous other business and civic organizations. Mark died on Wednesday, October 28, 2009, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa, having attained the age of eighty-five years, six months and eighteen days. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister Joan Langenfeld. He is survived by his wife Helen of Earling; their children: Kim Gundy and her husband Gary of LaVista, Nebraska; Dean Langenfeld and his wife Marsha of Earling; Jill Jacobsen and her husband Robin of Forsyth, Illinois; and Todd Langenfeld and his wife Ann of Earling; twelve grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; his siblings: Ruth Haberkorn of Long Island, New York; Neil Coenen of Omaha, Nebraska; Owen Langenfeld of Earling; Mike Langenfeld and his wife Phyllis of Omaha, Nebraska; Edna (Finken) Schafer and her husband Kenny of Earling; Vern Langenfeld and his wife Carolyn of St. Louis, Missouri; and Gail Langenfeld and his wife Pauline of Hartland, Wisconsin; nieces; nephews; other family members and many friends. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling, Iowa, on Saturday, October 31, 2009, at 11:00 AM. Rev. Wayne Gubbels celebrated the mass with Msgr. Gerald Stessman as the concelebrant and Rev. Bob Hoelfer as the homilist. Serving as pallbearers were: Jay Gundy, Mark Langenfeld II, Josh Jacobsen, David Woodhall, Troy Langenfeld, Max Langenfeld, and Ronan Hurley.
Robert Eugene Langer was born southeast of Walnut, Iowa on August 26, 1931. He was the son of Milton and Esther (Jacobsen) Langer. He attended schools through the eighth grade in Minden, Pleasant, Layton and Valley townships. He then graduated from Avoca High School in 1950. While in high school, Robert played football for four years and was captain of the team in his senior year. In 1951 and part of 1952, Robert worked for Hobie Construction Company, building bridges on Highway 59 from Avoca to Oakland. It was also in 1952 that he was drafted into the Army. He served first with the 7th Armored Division, then the 4th Engineer Company A, 4th Division. He served as Motor Sargeant during the last three months, and was honorably discharged in March of 1954. On September 18, 1952, he was united in marriage to Glenda Ann Oehlertz. They were the parents of four children: Ann, Terry, Shelly and Lisa. Bob and Glenda farmed in the Avoca/Hancock area until 1993 and after retiring, they moved to their present home in Hancock, Iowa. Robert was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Avoca, a member of the Hancock Fire Department where he was a First Responder, and a member of the Avoca American Legion Post #227. He enjoyed farming, hunting, trap shooting, fishing and dancing. Robert died on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at the Oakland Manor Nursing Home in Oakland, Iowa. He had attained the age of seventy six years, five months and twenty-four days. He is preceded in death by his parents, an infant granddaughter, an infant great granddaughter and a sister-in-law. Robert is survived by his wife of fifty-five years, Glenda; his daughters: Ann Clemon of Vancouver, Washington, Shelly Smith and her husband, Reid, of Exira, Iowa, and Lisa Christiansen and her husband, Andy, of Council Bluffs, Iowa; his son, Terry Langer and his wife, Debbie, of Minatare, Nebraska; eight grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; his brother, Don Langer of Avoca, Iowa; other relatives and many friends. Funeral services were held on Friday, February 22, 2008 at 1:30 PM at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Avoca, Iowa with Pastor Dennis Reich as the clergy. Serving as Honorary casket bearers were Tim Houser, Mike Houser, Dennis Oehlertz, Keith Oehlertz, Johnny Oehlertz, Doug Langer, Randy Mertz and Dennis Langer. Serving as Casket bearers were Reid Smith, Jermie Langer, Andy Christiansen, Ross Bornholdt, Caleb Smith and Steven Mahan. Burial was held in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Hancock, Iowa with Military Rites by the Fred Funston Post No. 227.
Don Arthur Larimore was born in Avoca, Iowa, on November 4, 1919, in the third house north of the United Church which has now been torn down. He was the son of Arthur and Elsie (Schilling) Larimore and was one of four children in the family. His family moved to Monroe, Nebraska, and that is where Don grew up and attended school, graduating in 1937. Don and his family returned to Avoca later in 1937. He worked around the area for various farmers and also worked for the Rock Island Railroad and the Gamble Store.Don enlisted in the Navy in 1941 and was sent to Idaho for his boot training. He later received a medical discharge because of an injury he had sustained at the age of 19. He then went to California to work for Douglas Aircraft, building airplanes. When the war began, Don helped build war planes and bombers. While in California, Don married Harriet Applegate on April 14, 1941 in Venice. They had met previously in Oakland, Iowa, Harriet's hometown. They were not blessed with children but enjoyed a good life together for sixty three years until Hattie died on May 12, 2004. Don and Hattie returned to the Avoca area and Don bought a cream route, working for the Avoca Creamery for eighteen years. After selling his route, he purchased the Avoca Bowling Lanes and they both worked there for nineteen years. It was sold and Don worked as a rural mail carrier until he retired in 1984. Don was a member of the United Church of Avoca. He enjoyed playing golf and working in his yard. He lived in the same house since 1955. He was also a member of the Pottawattamie County Last Man's Club, never missing a meeting. He has been a member of the Avoca American Legion Post since 1941. Don has been a resident of the Avoca Lodge Assisted Living for about a year and that is where he died on August 29, 2007. He had attained the age of eighty seven years, nine months and twenty five days. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Hattie. Don is survived by three sisters: Phyllis Bintz and her husband, Earl, of Neola, Iowa, Robin Thomsen and her husband, Beaner, of Kimballton, Iowa and Colleen Rutenbeck of Des Moines, Iowa; nieces and nephews: Gale Bintz, Becky Jacobsen, Mary Lefeber, Collette Rutenbeck, Charles Rutenbeck, Cris Briger, Lori Petters, Dawn Schueman, Sally Jacobsen, George Applegate, Cynthia Applegate, Shirlee Matthews, Nancy Stout, Donna Jo Price and Brian Applegate; many great -nieces and great-nephews and many friends. Funeral services were held on Saturday, September 1, 2007 at 11:00 AM at the United Church of Avoca with Pastor Nancy Ross-Hullinger as the clergy. Serving as casket bearers were Paul Petters, George Applegate, Wayne Jacobsen, Dave Schueman, Gale Bintz and Charles Rutenbeck. Military Rites were given by the American Legion Fred Funston Post No. 227 of Avoca, Iowa. Interment was held in Graceland Cemetery, Avoca, Iowa
Darald Dean Larsen, son of Elmer and Eva (Petersen) Larsen, was born on February 21, 1938, in Runnells, Iowa. He attended rural Audubon and Shelby County schools and graduated from Harlan High School with the class of 1956. After high school, he worked with the United States Forest Service in Montana. In 1959, Darald joined the United States Army and served until his honorable discharge in 1961. Darald was united in marriage to Betty Jane Saunders on June 16, 1962, in Manilla, Iowa. After their marriage, Darald worked for various highway construction contractors, working on the I-80 Interstate project. From 1970 to 1980 he owned a feedlot cleaning business with Robert Dierking. In 1980, Darald and his son Eric began Larsen and Son Construction. Darald was an avid fan of racing and it was not uncommon to find him at home in front of the TV watching a NASCAR race. He belonged to many organizations in his life which included the Land Improvement Contractors Association; where he served as President and Vice President; he also served on the Walnut City Council and as Mayor. Darald's greatest accomplishments are each and every one of his wonderful grandchildren. Darald died on Friday, October 5, 2007, at his home surrounded by his family having attained the age of sixty-nine years, seven months and fourteen days. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister, Becky Saar. Survivors include his wife, Betty Larsen of Walnut, Iowa; his children: Eric Larsen and his wife Rhonda of Atlantic, Iowa; Lori Larsen-Sievers of Walnut, Iowa; Karol and her husband Mark Beckendorf of Grimes, Iowa; Rachel and her husband Lenny Becerra of Walnut, Iowa and LeAnne and her husband Tony Blotzer of Walnut, Iowa; fourteen grandchildren: Tyller and Lane Freeman and Sierra Larsen; Cole, Sarah and Connor Sievers; Kacey and Corey Beckendorf; Breann, Cole, Alyssa and Joel Becerra and Jordan and Joey Blotzer; his brothers: Virgil Larsen and his wife Mary Ann of Pleasant Hill, Iowa; Gary Larsen and his wife Janet of Johnston, Iowa; Leon Larsen and his wife Kila of Yorktown, Iowa; his sister Joy Stumme of Springfield, Nebraska; nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends. Memorial Services were held on Monday, October 8, 2007 at 10:00 AM at the Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Avoca, Iowa with Pastor David Krueger. Serving as honorary casket bearers were his grandchildren with Howard Thraen, Leo Rieken, Ron Mathiasen, Larry Greedy, Dennis Akers, Verle Doonan and Ron Meisel as bearers. Inurnment was held in the Layton Township Cemetery in Walnut, Iowa with Military Rites by the Walnut American Legion Post #422.
Darrel J. Larsen - Age
82 Darrel James Larsen, son of Justin James and Agnes Violet (Sharkey) Larsen, was born on December 16, 1927, in Winner, South Dakota. He was baptized in Keypaha, South Dakota and confirmed at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa. Darrel attended grade school in Monroe Township in Shelby County, Iowa and obtained his GED in 1978. On September 8, 1947, Darrel was united in marriage to Agnes Monica Muell at St. Mary Our Lady of Fatima School in Portsmouth, Iowa, because the church was destroyed by a tornado. Eight children were born to this union: William, James, John, Susan, Julia, Michael, Sharon, and Jane. After their wedding, Darrel and Agnes made their home in Harlan, where Darrel worked at Western Engineering. He was later employed at Squealer Feed and the Shelby County Pork Plant before becoming employed at Harlan Municipal Utilities. He retired from there after sixteen years in 1993. Darrel loved to go camping with his family and watching his children and grandchildren’s activities. He was also very appreciative of the farming country and enjoyed going on long rides with his son to look at the crops. Darrel died on Friday, May 7, 2010, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa, having attained the age of eighty-two years, four months, and twenty-one days. He is preceded in death by his parents; his grandson, Benji Larsen; and his brother, Marvin Larsen. He is survived by his wife, Agnes Larsen of Harlan, Iowa; their children: William Larsen and his wife Janet of Hartford, South Dakota; James Larsen and his wife Joanne of Ankeny, Iowa; John "Jack" Larsen and his wife Patricia of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Susan and her husband Kenneth Schnack of Harlan, Iowa; Julia and her husband Randall Schmitz of Bettendorf, Iowa; Michael Larsen and his wife Catherine of Atlantic, Iowa; Sharon and her husband David Lush of Omaha, Nebraska; Jane and her husband Jack Waner of Omaha, Nebraska; seventeen grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; his siblings: Marlene Sondergaard of Harlan, Iowa; Mary and her husband Charles Gardner of Olathe, Kansas; Evelyn and her husband Lyle Hendricksen of Corning, Iowa; Juliene and her husband Harold Johnson and Dale Larsen and his wife Elizabeth all of Harlan, Iowa; nieces; nephews; other family members and many friends. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, May 10, 2010, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa, with Rev. Bob Hoefler celebrating the 11:00 AM service. Interment was held at the Harlan Cemetery with Mamie Lush, Mikala Zimmerman, Heidi Meier, Lisa Martin, Rochele Larsen, Justine Allen, and Claire Larsen acting as honorary casket bearers. Serving as casket bearers were: Todd Koch, Zachary Schmitz, Shawn Koch, Jason Koch, Brook Larsen, Cory Larsen, Tony Larsen, Blake Larsen, and Michael Lush.
Jane Ellen Larsen was born in North Dakota on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation May 18, 1921, the daughter of Fred and Evelyn Davis. While she was still a baby her family moved back to Audubon County, Iowa. She started school in Ross, Iowa; later she attended a country school south of Audubon, then a country school near the old Gardner Store ten miles east of Hamlin. Jane attended high school in Audubon, where she met her future husband, Lawrence. While in Audubon she worked for the Soil Conservation Office and the real estate and insurance firm of Garute, Cramer and Johnson. Then she attended Drake University and later transferred to the University of Iowa where she worked in the statistical services department and the University Hospital. On December 27, 1943, she married Lawrence Larsen and followed him with his Army transfer to Spokane, Washington, where their first child was born in 1947, Barbara (Boeck). Then they moved to Fort Knox until her husband was transferred to Japan with the occupation troops. She and her daughter spent that time back in Audubon. After Lawrence’s return from Japan they were stationed in Battle Creek, Michigan, where their first son, David, was born in 1949. After her husband’s discharge from the army they moved to Harlan in 1949; where she had lived ever since. Their second son, Robert, was born here in 1950. Jane was on the board of directors for the Iowa State Medical Auxiliary for many years, and served as the vice president as well. She and her husband have been members of Immanuel Lutheran Church from when they first moved to Harlan. As one of the original members of the Harlan Review Club, she enjoyed the fellowship throughout the years. For hobbies she enjoyed quilting, sewing, entertaining, bird watching, and reading books. For many years she and her husband had a summer home on Blanche Lake, Minnesota, where she enjoyed hosting family and friends and going fishing. One of her greatest joys was sitting down with friends and family, especially grandchildren, and playing cards and board games. On Sunday afternoon, June 24, 2007, Jane passed away at Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs. She is survived by her husband Lawrence; her daughter Barbara Boeck of Woodbine, Iowa; her sons David Larsen of Kalona, Iowa, and Bob Larsen of Irvine, California; her sisters Martha Renftle of Indianola, Iowa, Mary Conklin of Grand Island, Nebraska, and JoAnn Patrick of Carson, Iowa; ten grandchildren; and eleven great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and one grandson, Christopher P. Larsen. She will be greatly missed. A Memorial Service was held on Wednesday, June 27, 2007 at 2:00 PM in the Immanuel Lutheran Church with Pastor Steve Chellew officiating.
Verlee Leinen - Age 66 
Verlee Leinen was born on April 21, 1941, to Zeno and Viola (Schwery) Leinen on a farm near Portsmouth, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Portsmouth and attended school at St. Mary’s Catholic School. After her graduation from high school in 1959, she attended Marycrest College in Davenport. She transferred to Iowa State University where she graduated in 1963 with her degree in Home Economics. Verlee did her post-graduate work in Vermillion, South Dakota, Laramie, Wyoming, and Fairbanks, Alaska. Her first teaching position was in Ottawa, Illinois, where she stayed for three years. She then spent time teaching in Klickitat, Washington, Window Rock, Arizona, and Valdez, Alaska. Verlee worked as a recreational therapist at Harbor View Hospital in Valdez for four years, then operated the Serendipity Gift Shop on Richardson Highway 45 miles outside the city of Valdez for approximately ten years. In 1989, she went to Prince William Sound, Alaska, to help with the Valdez oil spill. She moved to Anchorage and worked for Hope Cottages, a residential facility providing community services to individuals with developmental disabilities. She also worked at the Anchorage School District at Bartlett High School performing many of the same duties as she did at Hope Cottages. Verlee loved the outdoors. Her hobbies were fishing and hunting, especially big game such as moose and bear. She also liked cross-country skiing and snow shoeing. Verlee died on Friday, June 29, 2007, in Anchorage, Alaska, having attained the age of sixty-six years, two months, and eight days. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Linda Daoust. She is survived by her brothers and sisters: Ursula Bruck of Portsmouth, Iowa, James Leinen and his wife Dorothy of Denison, Iowa, Orville Leinen and his wife Kathleen of Panora, Iowa, Harvey Leinen and his wife Charlotte of Harlan, Iowa, Eunice Blum and her husband Gilbert Loeffler of Panama, Iowa, Mildred and her husband Jerry Brus of Denison, and Zita and her husband Gaylen Smith of Portsmouth; her brother-in-law Mark Daoust of Atlantic, Iowa; nieces and nephews; other family members and many friends. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, July 6, 2007, with Rev. John Dorton officiating the 10:30 AM service at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Portsmouth, Iowa. Honorary casket bearers were Jeff Leinen, Richard Prososki, Scott Leinen, and her godson from Russia, Paul. Serving as casket bearers were Brian Daoust, Roger Leinen, David Smith, John Bruck, Roger Blum, and Jerry Brus. Interment was held at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Portsmouth.
James Lemons was born on July 22, 1927 to James W. and Lillian (Barnes) Lemons in Crawford, Tennessee. He attended school in Madison, Tennessee. He worked in construction before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1945. He was with the First Marine Division in communications and served in China. After his discharge from the service in 1949, he returned to Tennessee and met Emily Rodgers. On May 7, 1950, they were united in marriage in Franklin, Kentucky. Four daughters were born to this union: Patricia, Marcia, Darlene, and Thressa. James worked at the Kusan Toy Factory in Nashville, Tennessee, before driving a truck for an office furniture store. When a delivery took him to Omaha, Nebraska, in 1962, and he was offered a job with All Makes in Omaha, he accepted and moved his family to Minden, Iowa, where his wife’s sister lived. He drove trucks until his retirement in 1986. He enjoyed twelve years of retirement with his bride before her death on November 23, 1998. James died on Friday, December 25, 2009, at Alegent Health Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa, having attained the age of eighty-two years, five months, and three days. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Emily Lemons, his sister Annie Scott, and brother George Lemons. He is survived by his daughters: Patricia Paulsen of Underwood, Iowa, Marcia and her husband Steve Ploen of Minden, Iowa, Jimmie Darlene "Toe" and her husband Lynn Driver of Neola, Iowa, and Thressa and her husband Randy Petersen of Logan, Iowa; twelve grandchildren; twenty-four great-grandchildren; sister Aileen Ramsey; nieces and nephews; other family members; and friends. Pastor Brian Wohlhuter conducted the 1:30 PM funeral service on Tuesday, December 29, 2009, at the United Church of Christ in Minden, Iowa. Serving as casket bearers were Sonja Rasmussen, Shaya Zacharias, Sherry Neubaum, Stacey Paulsen, Ryan Petersen, Shelly Paulsen, Shanda Heilig, Troy Petersen, Derek Driver, Chad Driver, Shawn Ploen, and Brad Driver. Interment was held at the Minden Cemetery in Minden, Iowa.
Charles Junior LeRette was born on July 15, 1923 to Charles W. and Ida (Felker) LeRette in Hancock, Iowa. As a child, he attended the Hancock Methodist Church. He attended country school in Hancock and the Oakland and Carson High Schools, graduating with the Class of 1939 from Carson. Charles enlisted in the United States Navy in June of 1943 and completed basic training at the Idaho Naval Training Center in Farragut, Idaho. He completed Naval Instructors School in Bainbridge, Maryland before being stationed in Pensacola at the Naval Air Station. He worked in the Athletic Department and played on the base basketball team setting a record of 31 wins and 5 losses. They were ranked as one of the better teams in the country. He became a company commander while in Camp Wallace, Texas, and was also stationed in Sampson, New York and Camp Peary, Virginia, before his discharge as a Chief Specialist (A) in May of 1946. After his discharge, he continued his education at William Penn University and was awarded his Bachelor’s Degree in 1947. In 1997, he was inducted into the William Penn Hall of Fame for sports. He received his Master’s Degree from Colorado State College of Education. On August 12, 1949, Charles was united in marriage to Idalou Kisor at the Methodist Church in Raton, New Mexico. Two daughters were born to this union: Susan and Patricia. Charles spent thirty-eight years in the education field between Iowa and Illinois. He touched so many lives as a teacher and as a coach, but his most important job was as a husband, father, and grandfather. His family was his world. Charles died on Wednesday, December 23, 2009, having attained the age of eighty-six years, five months, and eight days. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers: Ernest, Clarence, Lester, Herbert, and Robert; and his sister Florence. He is survived by his wife of sixty years Idalou LeRette of Asbury, Iowa; his daughters Susan and her husband Stephen Gunther of Magnolia, Texas and Patricia and her husband Dale Metcalf of Dubuque, Iowa; four grandchildren: Tiffany, Brent, Erik, and Robert; and sister Irene Loughlin of Chicago, Illinois, nieces and nephews, other family members, and many friends. Pastor Melissa Drake officiated the 11:00 AM funeral service at the Hancock Methodist Church in Hancock, Iowa.
Orin Robert Leslie was born on April 19, 1910 on the Leslie Farmstead northeast of Avoca, Iowa. He was one of three sons born to Charles and Lettie (Heinz) Leslie. The family lived on the farm until he was eleven years old when they moved for a short time to Hugo, Colorado, returning later to Avoca. After attending country school, Orin graduated from Avoca High School where he was quarterback on the football team. He also was catcher for the baseball team and served as a team captain. After graduation, he enrolled at Coleman School of Mechanics in Kansas City, Missouri, where he graduated with honors. When he returned to the Avoca area, he worked in shops as a mechanic, taking time out to drive trucks for Sarvis Trucking Company. During the depression years of the 1930's, Orin worked wherever there might be work and was able to see a lot of the United States. He loved to travel and had visited all 50 states. On January 28, 1939, Orin married Mary Isaac and they made their home in Avoca. They were the parents of three children: Peggy Ann, Janet Marie and Charles Michael. Orin went to Alaska to work on the AL-CAN Highway, leaving in March and returning in November. In 1943 Orin joined the Navy and served in the Pacific aboard the U.S.S. Watchaprague, a P.T. Tender. He saw battles in New Guinea, Phillippines, Lehte, Surigao Strait, Lingayln Gulf and Barneo. When he was discharged in 1945, he returned to live in Avoca and raise his family. Orin lived in the Avoca area his entire life and was an excellent mechanic. In 1965, Orin went to work for the Iowa Highway Department as a mechanic at the Oakland shop. He retired in 1976 and continued to fix engines in his shop at his home until he was 96. He was a member of the United Church of Avoca. Orin died on Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at the Avoca Nursing and Rehab Center. He had attained the age of ninety-eight years, seven months and twenty days. He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Lettie Leslie and two brothers, Homer and Howard. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Mary of Avoca; two daughters: Peggy and her husband, Merlin Hale of Council Bluffs, Iowa and Janet and her husband, Richard Silvernail of Omaha, Nebraska; one son, Mike Leslie and his wife Diane of Shelby, Iowa; eleven grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren; special friends: Drs. Kevin Happe and Lou Ann McStay and their family; Ted and Judy Heilig and Raymond and Pam Nielsen, other relatives and many friends. Funeral Services were held on Saturday, December 13, 2008 at 2:00 PM at the United Church of Avoca with Pastor Nancy Ross-Hullinger as the clergy. Serving as Honorary casket bearers were Ray Nielsen, Ted Heilig and Dr. Kevin Happe with Eric Nelson, Michael Leslie, Mark Leslie, Dan Holdsworth, Rob Jasminski, Todd Purdy, Matthew Leslie and Jason Hulsebus as the active bearers. Military graveside rites were held by the Avoca Fred Funston Post # 227 with interment in the Graceland Cemetery, Avoca Iowa.
Henry John Leuck was born on February 4, 1920, to Michael and Angela (Greiner) Leuck in Harlan, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia on February 8, 1920. He attended country school and graduated from Harlan High School in 1938. After his graduation, Henry worked on the family farm until he entered the military. Henry enlisted in the United States Army on August 31, 1942 and worked as a surgical technician in the operating room for three years while stationed in the United States. He was sent overseas and was put on a hospital plan as a medical technician that brought wounded and sick soldiers from the islands in the Southwest Pacific to Hamilton Airfield in California. He obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant and was honorably discharged on January 28, 1946. Upon his return home, he began farming in the Harlan area and was united in marriage to Margaret Pitzer on July 12, 1977. They made their home in Harlan and Henry farmed until his retirement. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed trap shooting, winning four trophies. He walked every day in Pioneer Park and would take care of the squirrels, ducks, and birds during the winter on those walks. Henry would drive to Council Bluffs or Omaha up to three times a week so he could go dancing. He liked to travel a lot and would winter in Arizona with Marge and travel to Branson, Missouri, in the fall. He was a member of the American Legion Post 150 of Harlan. Henry died on Tuesday, April 22, 2008, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, having attained the age of eighty-eight years, two months, and eighteen days. He was preceded in death by his wife Margaret, his parents, and his brothers and sisters: Anne, Catherine, Marie, Margaret, Sue, Bernadine, Nick, Mike, John, Frank, Peter, Anton, and Joseph. He is survived by his nieces and nephews, other family members, and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, April 25, 2008, with Rev. Bob Hoefler celebrating the 11:00 AM service at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa. Serving as casket bearers were Garey Ensminger, Donald Goede, Harvey Ensminger, Dave Goede, Don Goede, and John F. Leuck. Military Rites were performed by the Harlan American Legion Helmer Reyelt Post No. 150 and the Shelby County VFW Post No. 941 at the Harlan Cemetery.
After enlisting in the US Marine Corps, Bill was commissioned as a first lieutenant and sent to the South Pacific. For fifteen months he saw action on the island of Peleliu, now remembered as the site of one of the most brutal battles of WW II. Bill was in charge of bomb disposal on the island and was promoted to captain while he was there. He continued to be active in the US Marine Corps Reserves, rising to the rank of major. Bill completed his law degree at the University of Iowa in 1948, and was soon after united in marriage to Jacquelyn Jean Luther of Memphis, Missouri on July 18. Three children were born to this union: Rebecca, Jeffrey, and Constance. During his law career Bill tried cases before the Iowa Supreme Court and he was elected Shelby County Attorney three times, serving from 1953-1959. In 1962 Bill moved his family to a farm south of Harlan in Fairview Township, and he continued to live there with his wife until the time of his death. Bill was active in the Congregational United Church of Christ. He and Jackie led the United Church Youth, and Bill also served on the church’s board of trustees, taught the adult Sunday school class, and sang bass in the choir. He was a member of the Harlan Kiwanis, Jaycees, Parian Masonic Lodge No. 321 A.F. and A.M. of Harlan, Abu Bekr Shrine of Sioux City, The Shelby County Extension Service, Shelby Co. Fair Board, Harlan American Legion (Helmer Reyelt Post No. 150), Shelby County VFW Post No. 941, Harlan Country Club, Shelby County Farm Bureau, Shelby County Saddle Club, Harlan Chamber of Commerce, and Irwin Feed Service. Bill was a director of the Harlan National Bank for over four decades, and he was a member of the American Bar Association. Interests and activities Bill enjoyed include hunting, jogging, swimming at the lake, water and cross country skiing, wine, golf, flying, science fiction, sing-a-longs, contract bridge, and traveling. Bill died on Saturday, February 6, 2010, at his home, having attained the age of eighty-eight years and four months. He is preceded in death by his brother Francis Jackson Lewis (Harlan), his sister-law Florence Day Lewis (Harlan), and his brother-in-law Judge John Edward Luther II of Memphis, Missouri. He is survived by: his wife, Jacquelyn of Harlan; daughters Rebecca Wiinanen (Jim) of Grand Marais, Minnesota and Constance Larson (Eric) of Rochester, Minnesota; son Jeffrey of Chicago, Illinois; sister LuAnn Whitmore of Juno Beach Florida; grandchildren Robert Creighton, Laura Kottke, Marja Wiinanen, Sarah Greene, Karli Wiinanen, and Marissa, Anna, and Nathan Larson; great-grandchildren William Creighton, Kaj Erickson, and Reese Kottke; sisters-in-law Ann Luther, Memphis, Missouri, and Laura Luther, Athens, Ohio.
Funeral Services were held on Saturday, February
13, 2010, at the Congregational United Church of
Christ in Harlan, Iowa. Pastor Donna Ewert
officiated the 11:00 AM service with interment
at the Harlan Cemetery with Pat Deren, Steve
Boettger, William J. Lewis, Paul Stephany, Phil
Harvey, Brody Deren, and Elliott Svendsen
serving as pallbearers. Acting as honorary
pallbearers were: Carl Bisgard, Frank "Rusty"
Wirth, Jack Bogen, Larry Wunder, William Bisgard,
Dennis Stamp, Charlie Bocken, Kurt Boettger, and
Eddie Roos. Memorials may be directed to: Harlan Community Library Myrtue Medical Hospice Congregational United Church of Christ - Harlan
Dominic T. Lickteig
- Age 90 Dominic Thomas Lickteig, son of Frank and Elizabeth (Wolken) Lickteig, was born on April 11, 1918 in Greeley, Kansas. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Catholic Church in Greeley, Kansas and graduated from St. John’s High School. In the fall of 1941, Dominic moved from Oregon to Shelby County, Iowa to work for his older brother Ray Lickteig on the farm. On April 7, 1942, Dominic was united in marriage to Ida Faye Pitts at St. John’s Catholic Church in Greeley. Five children were born to this union: Dennis, Mary, Timothy, Alice, and Jerome. The couple resided in Shelby County where Dominic continued to help his brother Ray farm and raise his children. In 1943, Dominic started farming near Harlan and in 1945, Dominic and Ida Faye moved to Battle Creek where they continued to farm for one year until they bought a farm near Defiance, Iowa. Dominic was a long-time member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Defiance and a member of the Knights of Columbus, Earling Council No. 1741, Fourth Degree. On April 28, 2008, he became a resident of Manilla Manor in Manilla, Iowa, and it was there that he died on Saturday, June 21, 2008, having attained the age of ninety years, two months, and ten days. He is preceded in death by his parents and his great-grandson Dustin Eugene Lickteig. He is survived by his wife, Ida Faye of Manilla, Iowa; their children: Dennis Lickteig of Waterloo, Iowa; Mary and her husband Ray Mumm of Ute, Iowa; Timothy Lickteig and his wife Carol of Dow City, Iowa; Alice and her husband Terry Weiland of Aurora, Colorado; and Jerome Lickteig and his wife Jill of Elk Horn, Iowa; twenty grandchildren and twenty-four great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; his brothers: Rev. Bernard Lickteig of Olathe, Kansas and Francis Lickteig of Shawnee Mission, Kansas; and his sister Betty Gillhaus of Greeley, Kansas; nieces, nephews, other family members and many friends. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, June 24, 2008 beginning at 10:30 AM at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Defiance, Iowa, with Rev. Tom Coenen officiating. Serving as casket bearers were Bryan Mumm, Jessie Weiland, Kelly Slechta, Doug Lickteig, Ryan Lickteig, and Scott Lickteig. Interment was held at Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Defiance, Iowa.
Douglas William Linden was born on January 24, 1928, to Oscar and Edith (McKeighan) Linden in Portsmouth, Iowa, and grew up near Tennant, Iowa. Douglas attended school in Tennant, graduating from high school with the Class of 1945. He began his farming career shortly after completing his education. Douglas was united in marriage to Ellen Sorensen on February 21, 1950, at the Tennant Methodist Church. Four children were born to this union: Barbara, Sandra, Mary, and Brian. The family lived near Avoca, Harlan, and Corley, but mostly near Walnut, where he was baptized at Calvary Baptist Church. He served as a deacon and trustee for the church until moving to Harlan in 1975. He became a member of First Baptist Church in Harlan on July 8, 1979. He enjoyed spending time with his family, taking them on camping trips and being involved in his grandchildren’s activities. He also loved tending to his garden and playing with the grandchildren’s dogs. Douglas worked at his daughter’s farm after moving to Harlan until his retirement in 1990; although he never truly retired since he was unable to sit still for long. He continued to help out at the farm and spent lots of time with his grandchildren. He was a loving Husband, Father, and Grandfather. Douglas died unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 7, 2007, having attained the age of seventy-nine years, six months, and fourteen days. He was preceded in death by his parents, his children: Barbara, Mary, and Brian; his granddaughter Angela; and his brothers and sisters: David, Darrell, Esther, Dana, Helen, Dallas, and Duane. He is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years, Ellen, of Harlan; his daughter Sandra and her husband Jeff Lansman of Harlan; three grandchildren: Kris Lansman and his wife Jen of Le Mars, Iowa; Matt Lansman and Nicole Lansman both of Harlan; his sister Wilma and her husband Howell McClure of Kingsfield, Maine; his brother Dewey Linden of Elk Horn, Iowa; nieces, nephews, and many friends. A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, August 11, 2007, at First Baptist Church in Harlan, Iowa, with interment at the Harlan Cemetery in Harlan, Iowa. Pastor Gundar Lamberts officiated the 10:30 AM service. Serving as casket bearers were Gale Linden, Matthew Lansman, Jeff Lansman, Jennifer Lansman, Kristofer Lansman, and Nicole Lansman.
Grace Linn -
Age 88 Grace Kathryn Linn was born on March 6, 1921, to Fred and Bertha (Volkert) Hoppe in Cushing, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Cushing. Grace graduated from Correctionville High School with the Class of 1938. She received her teaching certificate and returned to teach school at a country school in Correctionville, Iowa. On August 30, 1947, Grace was united in marriage to Leslie Linn at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Cushing, Iowa. Six children were born to this union: Patricia, Barbara, Dennis, Jill, Phyllis, and Lora. Grace was an excellent seamstress and baker. She was known for her cinnamon rolls and brownies and for making Christmas time special to shut-ins by delivering her baked goods to them. Her friends were special to her, whether they were church friends, knitting group, or someone she had helped. Grace kept up to date with current events but always had time to play with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She liked to tell jokes and to be teased. She was a great babysitter and was always there for others. Grace was admitted to the Scenic Manor nursing home in November of 2007, and it was there that she died on August, 17, 2009, having attained the age of eighty-eight years, five months, and eleven days. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her infant daughter Barbara, and her sister Margaret. Grace is survived by her children: Patricia and her husband Larry Phipps of Iowa Falls, Iowa, Dennis Linn and his wife Regina of Pella, Iowa, Jill Lindstrom of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Phyllis Baldwin of Loveland, Colorado, and Lora Dosen of Omaha, Nebraska; ten grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; her sister Carol and her husband LaVerne Buley of Council Bluffs, Iowa, brother Frank Hoppe and his wife Connie of Kingsley, Iowa; other family members and friends. Pastor Duane Anunson officiated the 10:30 AM funeral service on Thursday, August 20, 2009, at the United Lutheran Church in Shelby, Iowa. Serving as casket bearers were Jenny Lindstrom, Travis Bingham, Jim Lindstrom, Sophia Bingham, Eric Lindstrom, Angela Herter, Heather Phipps, Nash Baldwin, Amber Reese, Brittany Dosen, Jason Herter, Hannah Linn, Chris Phipps, Adam Dosen, Bobby Reese, and Jesse Linn. Interment was held at the Shelby Cemetery in Shelby, Iowa.
Roy Victor Linton was born on September 9, 1914, in Chicago, Illinois, to John and Johanna (Scanlon) Linton and was baptized into the Presbyterian faith. Roy graduated from high school in Kansas City and attended junior college until the death of his father when he left school to help his brothers run their father’s engineering and grain construction business. He worked as a private contractor for the armed forces before enlisting in the United States Navy. After his discharge, Roy returned to Kansas City living with his mother and continued working at various construction and engineering companies. On November 30, 1947, Roy was united in marriage to Ruth Blakley in Omaha, Nebraska. Five children were born to this marriage: Roy II, Mike, John, Ruthie, and Lola. In 1950, Roy completed his college and received his degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Rolla in Missouri. He then was employed by Butler Grain out of Kansas City and traveled throughout South America, Cuba and Central America designing and constructing grain elevators. Roy and Ruth then decided to establish Harlan as their home in 1959 so their children could attend school in the United States. He continued working for various engineering firms and traveled throughout the world until taking a job as Harlan’s City Engineer. In 1977, Roy began work for the Army Corp of Engineers out of Omaha, Nebraska, who sent him to Korea and Saudi Arabia. Throughout his career, Roy worked in twenty-seven countries in all. Roy was a devoted husband and loving father who instilled the importance of putting your best effort forward at all times. He was an intelligent man fascinated by science and weather and would read every newspaper and trade magazine from cover to cover. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Roy loved big family get togethers when he could tell his many stories. Roy died at Little Flower Haven in Earling, Iowa, on April 14, 2007, having attained the age of ninety-two years, seven months, and five days. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Johanna Linton; his brothers George and David, sister Sanna, and half brother John. Roy is survived by his wife of fifty-nine years, Ruth Linton of Harlan, Iowa; his children: Roy Linton II of Harlan, Mike and his wife Marcia Linton of Plymouth, Minnesota, John and his wife Peg Linton of Ft. Calhoun, Nebraska, Ruthie and her husband Bobby Schaben of Defiance, Iowa, and Lola Linton of Harlan; six grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 3 step-grandchildren; one step-great-grandchild, other family members, and many friends. A funeral service was held on Tuesday, April 17, 2007, with Pastor Dave Swinton officiating the 11:00 AM service at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa. Serving as casket bearers were Bobby Schaben, Jarred Behrendt, Michael Behrendt, Mike Linton, Roy Linton II, Chuck Behrendt, John Linton, and Nick Schuler. Military Rites were held by Harlan American Legion Helmer Reyelt Post No. 150 and Shelby County VFW Post No. 941 at the Harlan Cemetery in Harlan, Iowa.
Roy Victor Linton II, the son of Roy and Ruth (Blakely) Linton, was born on December 24, 1952 in Managua, Nicaragua. He was baptized at First Methodist Church in Harlan, Iowa and graduated from Harlan Community High School with the class of 1971. After high school, Roy joined the United States Marine Corps. and attended boot camp in San Diego, California. Following boot camp he was trained as a field radio operator and deployed with an artillery battery to Okinawa and Vietnam. Later in life Roy was a dedicated advocate for Veteran’s Rights and assisted many vets in obtaining the full benefits they deserved. Following his honorable discharge, Roy lived in many areas of the country. After attending the University of Iowa, he moved to Los Angeles, California. Roy loved the time he spent in California where he wrote lyrics and recorded, composed and performed many of his published songs. After Los Angeles, Roy lived in Omaha, then Carroll and Fort Dodge, Iowa where he graduated from college and worked for local newspapers as a reporter and editor. He then moved to Tennessee and worked at the Gibson Guitar Factory. Roy also lived in Las Vegas, Nevada where he was employed as a bounty hunter. In 1997, Roy returned to Iowa and settled in Harlan to be closer to family. He also spent his time videotaping Cyclone football for Harlan Cable and continued to perform music while sharing his love of music by giving guitar lessons. Roy also volunteered his time to animal rescue and served Christmas meals to the homeless. Roy was known for his great sense of humor and endless creativity. He lived in the moment and taught you to laugh in the face of adversity, throw caution to the wind, and not to take life so seriously. Roy was a gifted musician who loved to read and spend time with his family and dogs. Roy died on Saturday, July 28, 2007, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa having attained the age of fifty-four years, seven months, and four days. He is preceded in death by his father Roy. He is survived by his mother Ruth Linton of Harlan, Iowa; his two brothers: Mike Linton and his wife Marcia of Plymouth, Minnesota and John Linton and his wife Peg of Fort Calhoun, Nebraska; his two sisters: Ruthie and her husband Bobby Schaben of Defiance, Iowa and Lola Linton of Harlan; nieces, nephews, and many friends. Funeral services were held on Friday, August 3, 2007 at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa with interment at the Harlan Cemetery. Pastor Dave Swinton officiated the 11:00 AM service. Serving as honorary casket bearer was Steve Quist. Serving as active casket bearers were: Adam Quist, Michael Behrendt, Nick Schuler, Mike Linton, Chuck Behrendt, Jarred Behrendt, John Linton, Carol Miles-Rishling, Bobby Schaben and Randy Musich.
Zeno "Lefty" Loehr was born on November 29, 1910, to Jacob and Josephine (Petsche) Loehr in Westphalia, Iowa. The Loehr family moved to Defiance in 1919 where Lefty attended the Defiance Public School. He played baseball for high school and the town team, earning his nickname. Lefty graduated from Defiance with the Class of 1929 and went on to enroll at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. Although he had never played football before, he made the college team his freshman year but was only able to play for one year due to the Great Depression. During the Depression, Lefty attended a C.C.C. Camp for thirty-one months, sending most of his wages home to help with family expenses. Lefty was united in marriage to Eleanor Sontag on October 26, 1953, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Defiance. He worked as a carpenter and as a tax consultant since the very first year taxes were paid. He was also the Officer in Charge of the Kimballton Post Office before he retired. During his lifetime, Lefty was a volunteer fireman for the Defiance Fire Department, he served for six years on the City Council, and had managed a baseball team for five years and a basketball team for six years. He coached the St. Paul High School boys’ basketball team and served as secretary for ten years for the Defiance Independent School District. Lefty loved to travel and went on many trips all over the United States with the Commanders Club. He also loved spending time with his fishing buddies on their many fishing trips. Lefty became a resident of Little Flower Haven in Earling, Iowa, before being admitted to the Hospice Program at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa. It was there that he died on March 29, 2008, having attained the age of ninety-seven years, four months, and two days. He was preceded in death by his wife Eleanor, his parents and his brothers and sisters: Fred, Edwin, Eleanor, Dorothy, Lorraine, and Louise. Lefty is survived by his sister Helen Eggers of Omaha, Nebraska, nieces and nephews, other family members, and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, April 1, 2008, with Rev. Tom Coenen celebrating the 10:00 AM service at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Defiance, Iowa. Honorary casket bearers were John Goeser and Urban Schneider. Serving as casket bearers were Ron Jorgensen, Jerald "Bud" Bieker, Jason Christensen, Bill Dotzler, John Wells, and Jerry Heller. Interment was at Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Defiance.
Lenuel Richard Lollis
- Age 75 Lenuel Richard Lollis was born on September 19, 1932 in Waleetkoa, Oklahoma. Len was the youngest of three children. He lived at home with his father until the age of twenty, at which time Len moved to Glenwood, Iowa, where he resided until 1979. On March 1, 1979, Len moved to REM Leadway in Shelby, Iowa where he resided in Cherry House until November 12, 2004. At that time Len made another change in his life. He moved into his own house in the community with two roommates, where he resided until the time of his death. Len loved where he lived in Shelby and working at the "Bummers" in Avoca each day. He couldn't get enough of John Wayne, Bonanza, and the Beverly Hillbillies. Len loved to listen to the Sons of the Pioneers on the radio. Every summer Len went to camp, where he could participate in his favorite pastimes....fishing, and of course, socializing. Len earned the nickname "Grandpa" while living at REM due to the lighhearted banter he frequently shared with staff, when he affectionately referred to them as "Grandma". Len was an endearing man who formed many relationships during the many years he lived at REM. He was a very remarkable person, and once you met him, you could never forget him. Len died on Sunday, March 23, 2008 at the Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska, having attained the age of seventy five years, six months and four days. In his passing, Len leaves behind family and many friends. Visitation was held on Thursday, March 27, 2008 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Avoca, Iowa.
Jacqueline Long - Age 63 Jacqueline "Jackie" Ann Long was born on March 7, 1947 to Jack and Jean (Brierley) Daniels in Marshalltown, Iowa. She was baptized at Central Christian Church in Marshalltown. She attended elementary school at Marshalltown Elementary, Anson Junior High School, and attended Albion High School. She continued her education at Iowa Western Community College and graduated from the nursing program in 1982. She spent the next thirty years of her life as a geriatric nurse. On January 20, 1963, she was united in marriage to Larry Long at the Albion Methodist Church. Four children were born to this union: Tammy, Jeff, Aaron, and Michael. Jackie’s family was very important to her and Christmastime was special to her as well. She would have parties and several times rented the Breezy Lodge at Arrowhead Park for her parties. Jackie and Larry lived in the Minden, Iowa, area for thirty-two years before moving to Council Bluffs, Iowa, and then to Wichita, Kansas, three years ago. While living in Council Bluffs, she was a member of Chapter 441 of the Order of the Eastern Star organization. She was also a member of Hawker Beeches, a club for the wives of Beechcraft pilot instructors, and the Cloth Doll Creators. Jackie liked to do different craft projects and was also an avid antique collector. Jackie lost her five year battle with cancer on Tuesday, April 20, 2010, in her home having attained the age of sixty-three years, one month, and thirteen days. She is preceded in death by her son Michael, her father Jack, and two grandchildren: Scott Long and Ashley Long. She is survived by her husband of forty-seven years Larry Long of Wichita, Kansas; daughter Tammy and her husband Ben Meyer of Persia, Iowa; sons: Jeff Long and his wife Lana of Marne, Iowa and Aaron Long and his wife Liane of Avoca, Iowa; sixteen grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; her mother Jean Brasch of Marshalltown, Iowa; brother Jim Daniels and his wife Kendra of Conrad, Iowa; sisters: Janet and her husband Jim Smith, Joanne Daniels, and Jill Leavy all of Marshalltown, Iowa; other family members and many friends. Pastor Brian Wohlhutter officiated the 10:30 AM funeral service on Friday, April 23, 2010 at the Minden United Church of Christ in Minden, Iowa. Serving as casket bearers were Alexander Long, Junior Vasquez, Andrew Long, Adrian Long, Adam Long, Ryan Long, Andy Bowen, Greg Wood, Anthony Carlson, and Brandon Carlson. Interment was held at the Minden Cemetery.
Dalmer Lorenzen - Age 95 Dalmer H. Lorenzen, the son of George and Hulda Baasch Lorenzen, was born on October 11, 1912 in Shelby County, Iowa and was one of three children in the family. Dalmer farmed with his father until 1936. On his twenty-fourth birthday, he married Mabel E. Johnson in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and to this union one daughter, Shari, was born. Dalmer and Mabel farmed in the Avoca area. They were especially proud of their herd of Black Angus cattle. During the 1950's and 60's, their hobby of raising game birds grew into Dal-Mae-Sha Game Farm, where they raised partridges, pheasants and quail for sale, gifts and release into the wild. Dalmer was chairman of Avoca’s Centennial Board in 1969, and was also named the community's Man of the Year. After retiring from farming in 1979, he went to work for Knutson Funeral Home in Avoca retiring in 1995. Dalmer was active in Rotary and was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Dalmer died on Saturday, February 2, 2008 at the Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa having attained the age of ninety-five years, three months and twenty-two days. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Mabel, a brother, Gerald and a sister, Ethelyn. Survivors include his daughter Shari and her husband Jerry Skoglund of Waukee, Iowa; two grandchildren: Tammy and her husband Craig Phipps and Mike Skoglund and his wife Renee all of St. Paul, Minnesota; three great grandchildren: Adam, Andrea and Rob; besides nieces, nephews and many friends. Funeral Services were held on Saturday, February 9, 2008 at 1:00 PM at the Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Avoca, Iowa with Wayne Paulsen as the clergy. Serving as casket bearers were Bob Jensen, Tammy Phipps, Gary Lorenzen, Mike Skoglund, Craig Phipps and Renee Skoglund. Interment was held in the Graceland Cemetery, Avoca, Iowa.
Marcia Jean Lucke was born on March 4, 1950 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She was the daughter of William and Scena (Nielsen) Lucke and was one of four children in the family. She was baptized at the Congregational Church in Minden, Iowa and confirmed at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Avoca, Iowa. Marcia attended grade school in the Minden Public Schools. The family then moved to the Shelby/Avoca area and Marcia graduated from AvoHa High School with the class of 1969. Marcia was employed as a nurses aide in the nursing home and also cleaned homes in the area. She enjoyed doing handwork such as crocheting. Because of a health disability, she retired in 1995. She was a resident of the Harlan, Iowa community in past years. Marcia died on Sunday, January 21, 2007 at Myrtue Memorial Hospital in Harlan, Iowa. She had attained the age of fifty six years, ten months and seventeen days. She is preceded in death by her parents and by a brother, Robert. Marcia is survived by her sister, Mary Ann Lange of Ord, Nebraska; a brother, Bill Lucke and his wife, Babetta, of Persia, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral Services were held on Friday, January 26, 2007 at 11:00 AM at the Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Avoca, Iowa with Pastor Dennis Reich as the clergy. Serving as pall bearers were Rick Rauert, Rodney Veskerna and Nolan Veskerna. Interment was held in the Minden Cemetery, Minden, Iowa.
 Harley Lund - Age 85 of Minden
Harley Henry Lund was born on August 8, 1921in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He was the son of Henry J and Mary (Wolff) Lund and was one of two sons in the family. He attended school in Minden and Shelby, graduating from Shelby High School with the class of 1938. He entered the Air Force in 1942 and served as a mechanic at Berry Field in Nashville, Tennessee. While in the Air Force Harley met Becky Rogers. They were united in marriage on June 3, 1944 in Franklin, Kentucky. They were the parents of three children: Shirley, Denny and Dave. Following his discharge from the Air Force, they moved back to Minden to make their home. Harley farmed until 1957 when the family moved into Minden. He worked with the farmers in the area by operating a cornsheller and then as the owner/operator of a gas station on the west end of town, where he was known as a very good mechanic. Harley and Becky owned and operated Duffy's Tavern and Becky's Kitchen from 1969 until 1979, when they retired. He was a member of the Minden United Church of Christ and the Minden American Legion Post #437. Harley died on Sunday, April 29, 2007 at Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He had attained the age of eighty five years, eight months and twenty one days. Besides his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Howard and Betty Lund. He is survived by his wife of nearly sixty three years, Becky, who lives in Minden; his children: Shirley Kahler and her husband, Denny, of Minden, Denny Lund and his wife, Debbie, of Minden, and Dave Lund of Las Vegas, Nevada; four grandchildren: Tracey Fox, Todd Kahler, Brian Lund and Jamie Arbaugh; seven great grandchildren: Ally, Hannah, Peyton, and Sierra Fox, Stephanie and Debra Tuttle and Preslie Arbaugh; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, May 2, 2007 at 2:00 PM at the Minden United Church of Christ in Minden, Iowa with Pastor Brian Wohlhutter serving as the clergy. Pall bearers were Kevin Fox, Terry Overgaard, Brian Lund, Todd Kahler, Kevin Brich and Randy Lund with Thomas "Romie" Driver serving as Honorary Pall Bearer. Military graveside rites were done by the Minden American Legion Post # 437 and interment was held in the Minden Cemetery, Minden, Iowa.
Rita Margaret Lyon -
Age 91 Rita Margaret Lyon, the daughter of John and Margaret Stein Rath, was born on May 28, 1918, in Portsmouth, Iowa. Rita’s mother died when she was only three years old so she was raised by other family members in Neola, Persia, Portsmouth and by her grandmother Anna Stein in Harlan. She attended school in Neola and Harlan until the tenth grade when she quit school and worked as a waitress at the White Star Café in Harlan. On July 27, 1939, she was united in marriage to Clare Lyon in Omaha, Nebraska. They became the parents of three children: Barbara, John and Sandy. After their marriage, they lived in Harlan for a short time but soon traveled in a trailer throughout the Midwest while Clare was employed by Western Electric. The couple worked and traveled with other Western Electric employees and became a tight knit community. This was a time Rita enjoyed very much. In 1951, they returned to Harlan where Clare took over his father’s plumbing business, Lyon Plumbing and Heating. During this time, Rita helped run the shop by answering the phone and doing the book work. Rita loved to iron and did not only the family ironing, but she also took in ironing for other people. She enjoyed her children and grandchildren, as well as the children she babysat for. Pinochle was a favorite card game for her as was penny poker and bingo. They retired in 1979 and began spending half the year in Arizona and half in Harlan. In 1989 they celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary and became residents of Albuquerque, New Mexico. It was here that Clare died on September 21, 1997. Rita returned to Harlan after her husband’s death and made her home in the West Ridge Apartments and attended St. Michael’s Catholic Church. In 2004, Rita became a resident of Little Flower Haven in Earling, Iowa, and it was here that she died on November 14, 2009, having attained the age of ninety-one years, five months and seventeen days. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son-in-law Jerry Onnen, her sister Mildred Lorenz Fiscus and half-sisters Dorothy Stangl and Delores Sperry. She is survived by her children: Barbara Onnen of Harlan, John Lyon and his wife Kay of Payson, Arizona, and Sandy and her husband Jim Sondag of Lathrop, Missouri; eight grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; half sisters Maryann Zellmer of Huntington Beach, California and Bettie Thielen of Westminster, California; nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, November 17, 2009, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa, with Rev. Robert Hoefler celebrating the 11:00 AM service. Interment was held at the Harlan Cemetery in Harlan, Iowa, with Mike Onnen, Chris Chapman, David Molton, Chris Schmitt, Donald Sondag, and James Sondag serving as casket bearers.
Mary "Babe" Lytle - Age 92 Mary Elizabeth "Babe" Lytle, daughter of Maurice "Otto" and Matie "Stena" (Nelson) McDowell, was born on November 20, 1916, in Kirkman, Iowa. She was baptized at the Kirkman Methodist church and graduated from Kirkman High School in 1934. After high school, Babe continued her education at Secretarial School in Grand Island, Nebraska. She worked as a secretary for attorney, Leonard Fromm in Harlan. On November 4, 1936, Babe was united in marriage to Jesse Lee Lytle. Four sons were born to this union. After their wedding, Babe and Lee farmed near Portsmouth, Iowa and Irwin, Iowa before moving to Harlan in 1956. While in Harlan, Lee had his own trucking business and Babe did his bookkeeping. When Babe wasn’t busy working, she enjoyed gardening, bowling, playing cards and bingo, and cooking. She loved to receive compliments on her cooking, especially from her family. She was also a past member of SI Club and Polk Improvement Club. Babe died on Monday, February 2, 2009, at Elm Crest Retirement Community in Harlan, Iowa, having attained the age of ninety-two years, two months, and thirteen days. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Lee; her sons: J. Lee, Jr.; an infant son; and Jerry; one step-great-granddaughter Jessica Custer; and her siblings: LaVerne McDowell, Mildred Rushenberg and Cecil Bartelson. She is survived by her son Bob Lytle of Harlan, Iowa; her daughter-in-law Jolene Lytle of Harlan; six grandchildren: Jennifer and her husband Bob Appleby, Doug Lytle, Steve Lytle and his friend Tina, Justin Lytle, Ericka and her husband Troy Parrott, Adam Lytle and his wife Mindan; two step grandchildren: Curt and Cole Custer; twelve great-grandchildren; five step great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; her sisters-in-law: Virginia Lytle and Vivian Lytle both of Harlan and Jeanne Lytle of Carroll, Iowa; her brother-in-law Harry Lytle of Harlan; nieces; nephews; other family members and many friends. Funeral Services were held on Friday, February 5, 2009 at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa. Pastor Jim Boardman officiated the 10:30 AM service. Interment was held at the Harlan Cemetery in Harlan, Iowa with Ashley Lytle, Chantel Lytle, Brooke Lytle, Ethan Lytle, Emily Appleby, Scott Appleby, Sam Appleby, Chelsie Steffens, Daulton Parrott, Josie Parrott, Journey Lytle, and Zane Lytle serving as honorary casket bearers. Acting as casket bearers were Doug Lytle, Nathan Mumm, Steve Lytle, Justin Lytle, Mike Shreve, and Adam Lytle.
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